- Do I Have To Download Antivirus For Mac
- Do You Need To Download Antivirus For Mac
- Do Mac Users Need Antivirus
According to a report by Malwarebytes, Mac malware grew by 270% in 2017 and is set to grow even further this year. This took some people by surprise because macOS has always been seen as a safe operating system. Because Macs are more popular than ever, they’ve become a more attractive target.
Checking your Mac for viruses. OS X does a pretty good job of stopping viruses and malware from attacking your computer. But there are steps you can take to further protect yourself.
Download FREE AVG antivirus software for Mac. Protection against viruses, malware & spyware. Easy-to-use virus scanning and clean up. Intego — Best Overall Mac Antivirus of 2020. Specifically designed for Macs, Intego has a wide. Free antivirus software for mac free download - AVG AntiVirus for Mac, Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac, Comodo Antivirus for Mac, and many more programs. The ESET Mac antivirus software did not do as well as our two top choices but still had only a marginal system impact. Where ESET performed the worst in our billing practices analysis The company does try to push more add-ons at checkout than the other options on the list.
Thankfully, the fact that Macs are Unix-based systems mean they remain a lot more secure than Windows PCs, while Apple’s built-in security features like Gatekeeper do a good job of blocking a lot of suspect software, there is a much greater chance that something will get through and infect your Mac.
So, let’s take a look at the best antivirus software on the market, starting with big guns at the premium end of the market and then top free options.
Rating | Name | Features | Info |
---|---|---|---|
1 | CleanMyMac X | Large database, removes Mac-specific threats | Link |
2 | Bitdefender | Quick adware and ransomware deletion | Link |
3 | Intego | Real-time scanning and firewall protection | Link |
Best antivirus software for Mac
You should approach choosing antivirus software as if you were buying a new smartphone or computer — research until you’re absolutely sure you’ve found the right one. This doesn’t matter so much with free software where you’ve nothing really to lose but when you’re parting with your hard earned cash you need to know that the software is going to get the job done.
When it comes to reliable information, there’s no better place to get it than from the independent the labs — the researchers who make it their life’s work to rigorously test antivirus software. The researchers at AV-TEST, the independent IT-security test institute, regularly put macOS antivirus software through its paces.
In their most recent round of testing, the lab experts evaluated 12 of the top MacOS solutions on three criteria: protection, system load, and usability.
- Protection: the software’s ability to protect your system from malware
- System load: the software’s impact on system performance
- Usability: how easy the software is to navigate
Here are some of the best options on the market if you're considering antimalware software for your Mac.
1. CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a utility tool with plenty going for it. Not only does it help you rid your system of threats, it continually scans your system for malware and offers immediate removal. It’s as simple and effective as malware protection gets.
In addition to that feature, the tool also has a vast range of options for ridding your system of junk files and keeping Mac performance at the top of its game. The ability to clean up old apps and files in a few clicks is the perfect complement to malware removal.
Pros:
- Excellent malware scanning
- Real-time anti-malware monitor
- Good Uninstaller to remove 'undeletable' apps
- Removes lots of recent threats, including adware, spyware, and viruses
Cons:
- It has a limited number of free Malware scans
2. Bitdefender
Cost: $39.99/year
A solid all-rounder that’s one of the best suites on the market. The multi-layer ransomware protection and adware removal are standout features, and the software’s ability to scan for Windows PC malware (a feature not available on some software) set it apart from the rest.
Pros:
- Excellent Mac integration
- Capable of scanning for Windows malware
Cons:
- Other antivirus software for Mac has a greater range of features
3. Intego
Cost for the Premium Bundle X9: $39.99/year
Intego is a household name in Mac protection and does the job of keeping your computer free of malware in a no-fuss kind of way. It also scans for Windows malware. However, some of its great work is undone by its drain on system resources.
Pros:
- Firewall protection
- Accurate scanning
Cons:
- Limited features
- No website filtering
- Can affect performance
4. Symantec by Norton
Cost for Security Deluxe: $89.99/year
Norton antivirus comes with a reputation for outstanding performance and that’s what you get with Symantec. Its malware detection engine is second to none and you can use it across multiple Mac, iOS, Windows, or Android devices. Like Intego, it’s demanding on performance but not to a point where it’s annoying. The biggest drawback of Symantec is, unfortunately, the price. $89.99 a year is a lot of money, especially when you consider you can get antivirus software for free.
Pros:
- Works across a range of devices
- Excellent malware detection
- Firewall protection
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can affect system performance
5. Trend Micro
Cost: $39.95/year
Trend Micro is the kindest tool of the paid options for your system. You hardly notice it’s there. It integrates with your system well. Features like content filtering and social media privacy checking are useful, while the overall speed of scanning is excellent. The only real drawback is the lack of firewall protection.
Pros:
- Good all-around protection
- Built for compatibility with the latest MacOS
- Nice range of features
Cons:
- No firewall protection
Other notable mentions include Kaspersky, which offers an outstanding range of features but is let down slightly by its user interface, and ClamXAV, which is a favorite of IT professionals and is available for a one-off fee, rather than a license. Unfortunately, ClamXAV doesn’t offer website filtering, phishing protection, or firewall protection.
Best free antivirus software for Mac
If you’ve looked at the prices of the paid options and balked a little, you’ll welcome this next bunch of software with open arms because they’re all free.
Free software doesn’t get the same fanfare as the paid products, mostly because it doesn’t have to push for sales at every given opportunity. But that doesn’t mean it won’t serve you just as well.
Free software tends to only be available for one device per download, however, if you only have one Mac to protect that’s all you need.
If you want to keep your Mac malware-free, these tools have you covered.
1. Sophos Home
Sophos is a paid tool that comes with a free version. This version is limited in what it can do but offers accurate scanning and features like website filtering and anti-phishing.
Pros:
- Good virus detection
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Limited features
2. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a classic antimalware software that has both a premium and free version. Malwarebytes is a pioneer in malware research, and the company regularly posts summaries about newly-discovered threats. The software itself is known to be stable and contains all the “gold-standard” tools for an antivirus: quarantine, real-time detection, blocker for malicious sites, etc. Some of them are only available with a paid package.
Pros:
- Excellent reputation
- Has its own anti-malware lab
Cons:
- Lots of notifications
Which antivirus software for Mac should I use?
The antivirus software we’ve listed here is the best of the best. In truth, you could choose any and be happy with your purchase.
Do I Have To Download Antivirus For Mac
Of the paid options, Bitdefender is one of the standout options, simply for the accuracy of its virus scanning and ease of use. Symantec by Norton is known for being reliable and capable of defeating numerous threats, although it is a bit pricey. From the free options, AVG is the most effective, but it will consume around 10% of your Mac resources when it is running.
Whereas CleanMyMac X is a Swiss Army knife: it will protect from malware while removing clutter and freeing up much-needed space. It does everything you need and, alongside Mac’s built-in Gatekeeper, will protect you from the dangers that lurk on the internet.
These might also interest you:
Before we start
Sure, cybersecurity is a little confusing sometimes.
Clario is here to make it simple while removing viruses from your Apple devices.
Yes, you need antivirus software for your Mac.
Any Apple product using the latest operating system (OS) can still be vulnerable to attacks caused by malicious software. Cybercriminals even create malware specifically targeting Macs.
Unfortunately, many Mac users are unaware of this threat to their security. There is a common misconception that Macs are not susceptible to viruses. So if you’re still asking, “Does my Mac really need an antivirus?”, the answer is yes. Read on and we’ll tell you why.
Why Macs need antivirus
Apple Macs are a status symbol. Macs have risen in popularity not just because of their sleek and elegant style, but also because of their ease of use, reliability and security features.
While Apple products are known for their stellar protection settings, hackers are also getting smarter. New computer viruses are popping up faster than you can say, well, pop-ups.
Do You Need To Download Antivirus For Mac
Here are some of the reasons why now, more than ever, your Mac may need an antivirus software:
- The growing pool of Apple users make them an attractive target for hackers. With over one billion Apple users, the Mac’s market share is getting bigger. This means more devices and more potential victims.
- Mac owners are perceived to be richer than users of other PCs. Because Apple products are more expensive than other gadgets, users of Mac have always been thought to have a higher net worth. And criminals would prefer to go after the bigger fish, of course!
- Malware threats on Macs now outnumber threats for Windows PCs. According to the State of Malware Report 2019, the average number of malware detections per Mac was 11, compared to an average of 4.8 in 2018. This is significantly higher than the 5.8 detections per Windows PC seen in 2019.
Does Mac have antivirus built in?
Does Mac have an antivirus software built in? And does it have a built in malware detection? The answer is yes, it does have both. The built-in software blocks and removes malware using XD (Execute Disable), ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), and SIP (System Integrity Protection).
Do Mac Users Need Antivirus
However, these safeguards may not be enough to protect Macs from the latest threats. We’ll tell you more about that in just a minute but first, let’s try to look at the precautionary measures Apple has taken to secure your Mac from hackers.
Mac’s security features
Here are some notable features of the latest OS update:
- Apple T2 Chip - The secure enclave coprocessor enables the Touch ID, secure boot, and encrypted storage functionalities of the computer.
- App Review - Ensure apps downloaded from the App store do not have malicious codes.
- App Access - Always asks your permission to access files in your Documents, Downloads, and iCloud.
- FileVault 2 - Encrypts your data so that it is safe and secure.
- Safe Browsing - Mac's preferred browser Safari helps protect your passwords and safeguards you against fraudulent websites.
Does Apple have an inbuilt virus scanner?
Yes, all Apple devices, including your Mac, have built-in scanners which recognize basic threats and malicious software. If you’re wondering if your Apple device is proactive enough to tell you if you have a virus, the answer is maybe.
Download Clario and get rid of viruses on your Mac.
There are certain viruses your Mac can’t detect even with their latest update. These are the very latest threats to emerge after the newest security update. Some hackers also try to bypass the strict regulations of the App store by tricking developers to include a malicious code in their legit app.
Does Apple recommend having an antivirus software?
Apple itself won’t admit to any flaws in its system and to be fair, it does its part by regularly updating the OS with the latest security features.
However, there is a consensus among tech experts that having an extra layer of security protection in place for your Mac goes a long way in preventing scammers.
How to tell if my Mac has a virus
Here are ways to tell if your Mac is infected by a nasty bug:
- You often see advertising banners and pop-ups for suspicious-looking software. When this happens, you may have accidentally installed adware or software that actively pushes unsolicited ads. Be careful of these pop-ups too. They can lead to websites that phish for your personal information. Worse, they can install more malicious programs in your computer capable of spying on your activities.
- Web page text turns into hyperlinks when you browse. This is often a telltale sign your browser has been tampered with.
- There are unknown apps or softwares installed on your Mac. When you go to the list of installed programs in your computer and you see software you don’t remember installing, then this is a good indication you’ve been infected by a virus.
- Your Mac crashes. It’s normal for your Mac to crash every now and then, especially if you’re running many programs simultaneously. However, if it crashes more often and you can’t really pinpoint the reason, then a virus could be the culprit.
- Your Mac often overheats. Your computer heating up is a sign there are many programs working in the background. If you’re simply browsing or using one software but your Mac is running a temperature, then beware.
- Your Mac speeds up or slows down for no reason. If you’ve been a Mac user for a long time, chances are you know exactly how long it takes for certain programs to load or work. If they suddenly start slowing down or speeding up, it’s a sure sign of trouble.
What are the latest Mac viruses?
Here are some of the known Mac viruses that have plagued Apple users:
- OSX/CrescentCore - This bypassed Apple's internal review apps. When it is downloaded onto your computer, it installs other apps or a Safari extension.
- LoudMiner or Bird Mine - A cryptocurrency mining software that tries to use your Mac's processing power.
- NetWire and Mokes - A dangerous malware that can record your keystrokes (which means they know your passwords). They can also take screenshots using your laptop's camera.
- CookieMiner - Steals password and login information. It can also access your iTunes and other programs.
- Shlayer - A trojan-type virus that pretends to be an Adobe Flash update. Its goal is to install adwares.
- Cimpli - Installs a Safari extension that intercepts your searches and hits you with ads.
What to do to keep your Mac safe
Prevention is better than cure so take these proactive steps to make sure that you’re not exposing your Mac to danger.
- Update Mac OS when asked. The latest OS always comes with the most up-to-date protection against new threats capable of compromising your computer or personal files.
- Don’t download or click links from unknown sources. These links or files can be malicious software masquerading as legit apps. A good example would be a file pretending to be an Adobe flash player.
- Educate yourself on the latest Mac threats. Knowledge is power, they say. And it’s best to arm yourself with what’s happening in the IT world. It can be overwhelming but you can always subscribe to our blog for the latest cybersecurity news.
- Avoid suspicious-looking emails or messages. Don’t click on them! They are phishing traps often used by hackers so you will unwittingly download programs onto your computer. These programs may then be used to spy on your activities or collect private data.
- Regularly remove malware from your computer. The good news is you can remove malware manually. However, it may be best if you have an anti-malware product installed on your computer. This way, it proactively deletes these dangerous bugs from your device.
- Make sure you have a cybersecurity productto provide overall protection for your computer and any connected mobile devices.
While we’re at it, cover all the bases of your digital security and get Clario - a completely new type of protection app with built-in 24/7 support from live security experts.
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